A Denver couple has been charged with running a two truck scheme to steal cars, according to CBS4 in Denver, Colorado.
C&M Towing allegedly stole 19 vehicles and then sold the parts online. Police caught on to Charles and Michelle Wrenfrow's scheme when a Denver man spotted the wheels from his stolen car being advertised on Craiglist.
After paying a visit to the Jefferson County jail and being released on bond, the pair awaits a hearing in court.
Tow truck scams are nothing new, and can be as obvious as an unsolicited operator asking for cash or insisting the car be towed to the shop he "works with," where you'll get hit with endless charges.
Recently, AllState Insurance and the National Crime Insurance Bureau released tips to help drivers avoid being taken for a ride. Here are some of them:
- Whatever you do, "don't provide tow truck operators with your insurance information," says NCIB.
- Likewise, don't provide tow truck operators with personal lien holder information, warns the National Crime Insurance Bureau.
- Have your car towed to a repair shop of your choice to avoid storage fees.
- Get an itemized list that includes any fees and printed documentation of where the vehicle will be towed.
- Sign below the dollar amount quoted, not the bottom of the document. Also make sure the truck signage matches what appears on the documentation (watch out if they say they "work with" your insurance company), according to NCIB. If no signage is displayed, ask the operator for identification.
- Call your insurer for recommendations and options. If police are on hand, follow their guidance.
If you feel a tow operator is up to no good, report it anonymously by calling the NCIB toll-free (1-800-835-6422), texting "fraud" to TIP411 (847411) or visiting www.nicb.org.
SEE ALSO: How to avoid a shady used car dealer >
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